We the People: Labor Rights in New York State
Working people in New York State have built the physical state and economy and driven its political and social conversations. New York was the leading manufacturing state between 1830 and 1960, attracting a diverse labor force that included immigrants, women, and People of Color.
The struggle for labor rights has always been closely connected to the fight for civil rights, as both movements focus on improving the lives of workers and their communities. Through reform movements and activism, New York legislation was at the forefront of progressive change—leading the way in areas like workplace safety, fair wages, child labor laws, and protections against discrimination.
From the activists of the early 19th century who fought to end worker exploitation, to the garment worker strikes of the early 20th century, and the union-led civil rights coalitions of the 1960s and beyond, New York’s working people have continually redefined justice and equality in the workplace—and in society.
Highlights
This sewing machine was collected as evidence in the Triangle Company fire.
New York State Museum H-2018.37.1
Syracuse, NY
The employee time clock was invented by Willard Le Grand Bundy in Auburn, New York in 1888. This invention timestamped a card to record employees work hours. This invention protected both employers and workers from dishonesty.
The Oechsle Clock Collection, New York State Museum H-2024.43.2
Tompkins Brothers
Troy, New York
Height – 103" x Width – 80" x Depth – 46"
This knitting machine was used by Johnstown Knitting Company in Johnstown, New York, for most of the 20th century, making cotton-based t-shirt and sweatshirt fleece. Textile factories were plentiful across the state due to an ever-expanding immigrant workforce and an established transportation network to move raw goods and finished products around the country and to Europe.
New York State Museum H-1996.27.1